This survey explores the range of policies and programs available to pubic sector decision makers to maximize the efficiency of the transportation sector in their jurisdictions. For purposes of this discussion, transportation  energy efficiency encompasses approaches that either reduce the amount of fossil fuels used per vehicle-kilometer traveled (VKT) by road or rail, or which reduce the overall vehicle-kilometers traveled. Since countless volumes have been written on these topics, it is the intent of this survey to distill the large amount of information into concise summaries that provide APEC policymakers and decision makers with an understanding of the range of proven options for improving transport efficiency. The authors summarize about 50 examples of policies and programs undertaken by APEC economies to improve transportation energy efficiency.

Strategies for optimizing transport energy efficiency fall into two broad categories: those focused on vehicles, and those that address urban systems and transportation infrastructure. The latter include mass transit, toll pricing for road use and parking to discourage the use of single-occupancy vehicles in central business districts, and land use and zoning decisions that locate mixed uses at higher densities  to help reduce the need to travel. A third category, taxes and pricing of gasoline and diesel fuel, can influence both the efficiency of vehicles (through buyer purchase decisions) and the use of vehicles.